Study probes cruise sector in region

A preliminary economic study examining the cruise industry’s impacts in the Caribbean will be presented this week at a conference in St. Maarten, according to Communications and Works Minister Kye Rymer.

Mr. Rymer is currently leading a Virgin Islands delegation to the 30th Annual Florida Caribbean Cruise Association Cruise Conference and Tradeshow, which began on Tuesday and will continue until Friday.

“I will have the honour of presenting an update on the BVI directly to the presidents and CEOs of the cruise lines in a closed forum,” he said last Friday. “This will allow us to highlight our progress since last season, discuss potential areas for collaboration, and ensure that the BVI remains top of mind when decisions are being made about cruise itineraries and investments in the region.”

New study

In a statement delivered Friday in the House of Assembly, Mr. Rymer also emphasised the importance of the preliminary study, which was conducted by the New Jersey-based company Business Research & Economic Advisors. The study, he stated, “will provide us with valuable insights into the economic impacts of passengers, crews and cruise line spending. The data covers the 2023/2024 cruise season, with figures based on a 12-month period beginning in May 2023 and ending in April 2024.” Mr. Rymer also said the BREA study includes “encouraging findings regarding visitor satisfaction” in the VI.

“Our ratings have improved in key areas, such as meeting guest expectations, our tour guides’ knowledge and professionalism, and our residents’ friendliness,” he told the House.

“This reflects positively on the many stakeholders contributing to the cruise guest experience.”

Areas of concern

He added, however, that the report also flagged multiple areas of “concern,” including the “declined” score the VI received in the “likelihood of cruise visitors recommending the BVI as a destination.” The roads, he said, are another problem.

“Our transportation sector, and this affects the deplorable road infrastructure, has declined in ratings since 2018,” he said. “While the score remains relatively high, this trend is concerning. I strongly encourage our transportation providers to take advantage of the training programmes available, as this will help elevate the overall quality of service we offer to our cruise guests and visitors.”

The delegation

Mr. Rymer’s delegation includes representatives from his ministry, the BVI Ports Authority, Cyril B. Romney Tortola Pier Park, the BVI Tourist Board, the National Parks Trust, and local cruise agents and tour operators, he said.